Paper Marbling – Family Workshop

The Course

Looking for something different to do during the summer holiday? Why not bring your parent, guardian, grandparent, older sibling or favourite adult to the Weald and Downland Living Museum for a fun creative workshop.

Enjoy a morning of trying out Suminagashi, a Japanese method of paper marbling using ink and water. Make a range of beautiful designs which will be dry and ready to take home by the afternoon.

Suminagashi ink marbling is ancient, it’s over 1000 years old! This heritage craft first originated in Japan in 750 AD and influenced modern marbling.

In this workshop you will explore the ancient Japanese art of Suminagashi ink marbling with your child, learning to create mesmerising, organic patterns, using special inks and simple techniques and tools.

This workshop is a chance to connect with your child on a creative level to make unique pieces of art and small notebooks together. Your child will have the opportunity to stitch their book and make an origami bookmark or butterfly.

This is a mindful creative class, using breath work, in a calm environment.  It is known for its therapeutic benefits, helping with anxiety and is suitable for children aged 5 – 16 years.

The Tutor

Rachel O’Connell is a marbling artist and leatherworker who has over 30 years of experience practicing this endangered craft, and is keen on passing this heritage craft on to future generations. She aims to create beautiful, practical products as well as educate students in the processes of traditional English, Turkish and Japanese techniques and promote the mindfulness and therapeutic benefits of the skill.

For more information and a gallery of her work, visit https://www.rocworx.co.uk/

Participant Information

Participant Information: 

Tuition, tools and all materials will be provided by the Tutor. 

The course will be limited to 10 pairs/adult and child combination. Participants must be aged 5 and over.  

Participants should wear old clothes. Aprons and latex-free gloves will be provided. 

Fee & Refreshments

£50 per pair/adult and child combination to include tuition, tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits. Please let the Museum know if you have any dietary requirements. Fee includes entry to the Museum for those who want to stay and explore further after the workshop.